Ramadan is a special month of the year for over one billion Muslims
throughout the world--including 8 million in North America.
It is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. Islam
uses a lunar calendar--that is, each month begins with the sighting
of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days
shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays
"move" each year. According to the Islamic Society of North
America, the first day of fasting for Ramadan 2003 is expected to
be October 27th. The Month of Ramadan is also
when it is believed the Holy Qur'an "was sent down
from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and
a means of Salvation".
It is during this month that Muslims limit the intake of food and
drink--called the Fast of Ramadan. Lasting for
the entire month, Muslims fast during the daylight hours; and in
the evening, eat small meals and visit with friends and family.
It is a time of worship, contemplation, and a time to strengthen
family and community ties. Ramadan represents a time when Muslims
concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of
their everyday lives.
During the Fast of Ramadan, strict restraints are placed on the
daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during
the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden
during fasting. At the end of the day, the fast is broken
with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening
following the iftar, it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting
family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning
The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by
five things -
- the telling of a lie
- slander
- denouncing someone behind his back
- a false oath
- greed or covetousness
Suhoor: Early Morning Meal
Since eating is forbidden during the day, Ramadan
meals are eaten early in the morning (suhoor) and
again at night (iftar). The first meal of the day is Suhoor, which
should be eaten as close to dawn as possible. Traditionally,
the Suhoor might include porridge, bread, or fruit. It is said that
the Prophet Mohammad himself recommended including dates as part
of the Suhoor meal!
Iftar: Evening Meal
Once the sun begins to set, the daily fast is
slowly broken with a simple snack-like bread, cheese, or fruit.
Now that everyone is not quite so hungry, evening prayers are said,
followed by the big evening meal, called Iftar, which often includes
a hearty stew or spiced vegetable dish. Once Iftar is over, people
will usually meet at the mosque or at each other's
houses for visiting and discussion.
Eid
Ul-Fitr: Feasting Finale
When the new moon arrives to signal the end
of Ramadan, there is a colossal celebration called Eid ul-fitr.
The feasting and revelry of Eid ul-fitr are unparalleled by any
of the other dinners held during Ramadan. Eid ul-fitr is a
time when the whole community comes together to rejoice and, of
course, eat! Platters of steaming food, music, games, and
general merriment last until the moon's silvery reflection begins
to fade in the sky.
For more information on Ramadan, visit:
http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/story.htm
http://www.colostate.edu/Orgs/MSA/events/Ramadan.html
http://www.factmonster.com/spot/ramadan1.html
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